Mishka and Ryan go for supplies 11/21/2021
TheTraveler — 11/21/2021
Ryan and Mishka left the Jupiter One behind them as they wondered into the city. It didn’t take Mishka five steps to realize and remember Ryan’s warning about bright lights after Spice usage. The pain at first wasn’t even noticeable, but with each passing moment it grew. On the other side of the spaceport, Ryan stopped and pulled a pair of sunglasses from his pocket and started to put them on her.
“Don’t worry,” he said softly making sure that the glasses fit well. “They are darker than normal ones but will ensure that the light doesn’t hurt your eyes.” There was care in his voice and his touch was kind.
“So, we have to get them off the ship before five tonight,” Ryan said softly. “I am sure that we can get the repairs done that time and be underway.”
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/21/2021
Mishka grimaced as she let Ryan put the sunglasses on her, hand on her necklace with her thumb rubbing the pendent slowly. “I don’t know if it’s going to be easy to get them off the ship.” She said as she kept close to Ryan. “While we’re out getting supplies…can we run by the bookstore?” Her ears twitched in a sheepish manner.
A part of her was worried they did not have time for this, but she wanted to look up something. It was already painful to endure this single side effect of the Spice. It was in this moment she decided not to take it again. Sunglasses were not comfortable, no matter how hard anyone tried.
Plus, she liked going outside without a growing headache.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/21/2021
He smiled, "well, we are not really getting supplies. So sure!" He slowly stood up and helped her up, "I don't see why we can't go to bookstore." He smiled as he led her down the street.
He pulled her close to him, "so you haven't told me about last night." his hand slide down her arm and he wove his fingers in to hers. "You seemed to really enjoy yourself," he added.
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/21/2021
Mishka felt heat rising to her face as she was pulled closer to Ryan. Heart pounding just a little faster at their closer proximity, she looked up to him as he laced their fingers together. “That’s because I did enjoy myself.” She answered honestly with a smile. “I was with you, which made it even better.”
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/21/2021
He smiled as he pulled her to a stop and then backed up pulling her with him, "I am glad you enjoyed yourself." He looked in to her eyes as if searching for something, "I want you to know, that you are always welcome to join me." He moved a bit closer, "but, I don't want you to think you have to." His smiled was reflected in his eyes as he continued to look in to hers, "I am not like them," he said making a clear reference to the Force User of the party. "I am not going to tell you what is right or wrong. What to do or not to do. You are a grown woman, free to make up your own mind."
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/21/2021
Keeping her eyes locked with his, she felt a slight chill run down her spine. Whether it was from excitement or just plain shock of his close proximity, she was unsure. “I…I’m thankful for that, Ryan.” She said with a smile. “And I’m here to help if you want to continue getting off Spice. I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to.” She hoped he understood, hoped he would not take this the wrong way.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/21/2021
He gave her a nod, "is that really in your heart," he said softly as he moved closer. He could feel her unsteady breath on his lips as he continued to gaze in to her eyes. He knew what she was talking about regarding spice, but right now, he had a promise to keep. "If you want to keep walking we can," he offered making sure she didn't feel trapped as his back was to the wall and hers was to the street.
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/21/2021
Not feeling trapped at all by him, Mishka couldn’t stop her hands from settling on his chest. The blush was still on her cheeks as finally broke the gaze and glanced away. “I…” A part of her wanted to press closer and kiss him like she had the night before, but the bravery the alcohol had given her was gone. “Ryan…” Speaking barely made her lips brush against his. “We can…but…”
Her brain felt like a jumble of emotions spinning around in circles. What should she do? There was a slight panic building inside of her, unable to decide what to do.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/21/2021
Ryan smiled, "last night you knew what to do, didn't you." His words were soft as his hand moved to the small of her back. His other hand moved to her opposite shoulder. He blinks slowly loosely holding her and giving her a chance to move back from him.
He leaned forward, "I get scared all the time," he said softly. "But there are times, when I know just what to do." He smiled his lips not moments away from hers. "Like right now," he moved in and their lips touched.
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/21/2021
Blue eyes went wide as his lips pressed to hers and a thrill ran through Mishka’s entire body. Her fingers curled to grip onto his shirt as she gently pressed back to deepen the kiss just slightly. Eyes slowly closing, she let the moment last, savored each second of this moment.
After what felt like too short of a time to her, she had to pull back to breath. “Ryan…” She whispered.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/21/2021
Ryan's heart leaped in to his throat as he loved feeling her breath in his mouth. Feeling her lips up against his, it was just so amazing. His heart was pounding, he wasn't sure if she really wanted to continue what she had started last night. The fear of failing this was overwhelming but he had promised her that they would continue that.
He smiled as she pulled back, he wasn't about to force the issue. He didn't say anything out of fear that he would scare her in to saying something she didn't want to. Instead he just gave her a soft nod.
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/21/2021
Mishka was quiet for a moment before speaking up. “We can continue, if you want…” She told him as a hand reached up to touch his face. Fingers gently stroked his cheek before pulling back as if she realized she was overstepping boundaries. Part of her knew they should get to the bookstore and head back to the Jupiter One, finish the repairs.
But, she wanted to savor this moment so much. It was the most comfortable she had felt since leaving home in the first place.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/21/2021
He smiled, "we can do what ever we want, Mishka." He gently took her hand and guided it back to his face. "You see, we don't have to follow anyone's rules. No one's rules applies to us," he said softly.
He moved in once more, "that was the lesson of last night, Mishka." He once more kissed her, this time slowly opening his mouth and making the kiss that much more intimate.
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/21/2021
Mishka let out a soft noise as he kissed her again, body shaking slightly from how good he was making her feel. Letting her thumb stroke his face, her own lips parting to match his intimacy with the kiss. For a long moment she forgot where they were, what they were meant to be doing. She felt like it was just her and Ryan in this galaxy together.
It wasn’t until someone yelled at them to get a room that she jumped slightly.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/21/2021
He loved kissing her, he loved being this close to her. His hand wanted to explore her more, but he didn't want to push her beyond her comfort zone. So he just kept his hand on her hip and next to her neck.
Ryan pulled back and smiled at her and then started to laugh at the comment. "You see what it means to be free," he said softly.
He glanced up and down the street, "lets get going to that book story." He glanced down the street as if something caught his attention. Something tugged at his mind. His natural fear kicking in but he couldn't understand what the focus of the fear was.
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/21/2021
Mishka nodded as she slipped her hand into his gently. “Yeah, we should get to the bookstore.” She said with a soft laugh before starting to tug him toward the direction of the bookstore. Noticing his discomfort, though, she stopped to glance in the direction he had. “What’s wrong?”
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/21/2021
Ryan smiled and allowed her to pull him along. His fight or flight was all over the place as they walked down the street. He barely heard her comment as they continued to move then she stopped and he bumped in to her. "I don't know," he said with a hint of confusion on his face. After a moment he shook off the feeling, "its nothing," he said not fully sure of himself. "Lets get going," he said softly.
Down the street, a pair of eyes peered out from behind a cloth. The male Bothan slipped in to a side shop and out of sight of Ryan and Mishka. Pulling up his comlink, "I think I located the courier." The male Bothan said in a hushed voice. "Its Ryan markata....."
Tarkin's voice came back over the comlink, "are you sure?"
The Bothan nodded to the comlink, "I am sure."
Once more Tarkins voice spoke calmly and steady, "this complicates things. Do not kill the courier. We will fall back and regroup."
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/21/2021
Mishka got them to the bookstore where a new kind of excitement entered her eyes. Opening the door, she pulled Ryan inside with her and was quick to start looking around. Having been here so many times over the years, she practically knew the place from top to bottom and was able to find the section she was curious about pretty quickly.
The whole time she kept hold of Ryan’s hand, happy for the warmth, happy for his company. Her free hand lifted and a clawed finger touched at the books as she silently read the titles, searching for something on drugs and their effects on people. More precisely, she wanted one on Spice to better understand it and Ryan’s general use of it.
If it meant she could understand Ryan more, she would gladly learn.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/21/2021
Ryan like a good puppy was dragged behind her. He didn't care, he loved spending time with her. As the walked the streets, he kept having this feeling that he was being watched. Each time he turned to see, he didn't see anything out of the ordinary. He frowned but then resigned himself to enjoying her company.
They reached the bookstore and Ryan continued to follow along. As she searched for her books, Ryan went searching for something for her. He wasn't sure what he wanted, but he knew it had to be special and something that defined them both.
Outside the bookstore, an elder female Bothan walked over to a bench across the street. She set down and started to feed the birds, as she spoke in an old weathered voice, "I still have eyes on the courier." She paused and nodded to a group of passing teenage Bothans. Once they were clear, "He and a hybrid have gone in to a bookstore." She paused once more before adding, "I don't understand why I can't just kill him and get the package."
Tarkin's voice played in her ear, "Ryan Markata is protected. We can't just kill him. Get us a clear image of the female companion."
She moved up her comlink and took aim at the shop and took a series of images of Mishka while she was shopping. "Sending them now," she said softly.
Mishka Winlat — 11/21/2021
Finding something that seemed rather helpful, she pulled it off the bookshelf and looked through it for a moment to find out if it was indeed what she was looking for. Disappointed in the information, she returned it to the bookshelf and kept searching. She did this for about three more books until she finally found what she was really looking for.
With a smile on her face, Mishka turned around and went to find Ryan. “You find anything interesting?” She asked.
TheTraveler — 11/22/2021
"We have identified the female, Mishka Winlat, I local girl. Father and Mother deceased, sister's funeral was just a couple of days ago. Apparently she was a member of the Coruscant Jedi," Tarkin's voice explained in earpiece. "We are unclear of the connection at this time. Keep observing," there was a pause for a moment. "Do you see any indication of the package."
The elderly Bothan smiled and nodded to a young couple walking past. Once they were a few feet away she answered, "no, no indication at this time."
"Understood, maintain your distance and only observe."
Back in the shop, Ryan was standing across from one of the two employees. A big smile on his face as Mishka walked up. The employee handed him a thick flat leather band.
He turned at her question, "I did." He reached for her hand and gently took it. He took the leather band and coiled it six times from her wrist and up her arm in to a arm wrap. It has different colored cut glass that made star patterns. Polished pieces of metal made it look much more expensive than it really was. In the middle, stamped on the wrap, "Ryan ❤️ Mishka"
"Do you like it," he asked her softly.
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/22/2021
The familiar heat quickly rose up to Mishka’s face as she gazed at the leather band in awe. She curiously her arm over a few times to get a good look at every detail. Heart soaring with joy, blue eyes returned to Ryan and she smiled. “I love it,” She said, her tone filled with joy.
Looking to her other hand, the one holding the book she had found, she became a little nervous. “I…I found a book about Spice. I wanted to read about it and understand it a bit more so I can see how it works over time and everything.” She explained in an almost whisper, her ears twitching nervously. “I hope you’re okay with that.”
After explaining it, she held up said book to him.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/22/2021
Ryan nodded a bit unsure what to think, but he took the book and started to flip through the pages. It was charts, formulas and molecular make up of the Spice in its many different forms. Ryan almost got a headache just flipping through the pages. He looked at Mishka with great sadness in his eys, "this is how you see the world around you?"
There was sadness and laugher in his voice as he spoke, "no wonder why you are so desperate to break free." He paused and thought, "and no wonder why the Jedi want you so badly to like them."
He nodded like an instructor who just realized how to save the student. "First," he declared. "That won't teach you anything about Spice." He handed her back the book. "Sure you will learn about Spice, but understand Spice."
He walked her over to the New Age section of the book store. "Let me see," he said as he searched the titles.
@Mishka Winlat
TheTraveler — 11/22/2021
A small girl walked up and set down next to the little old lady, "my mom is over there talking to the militia man." The cute little Bothan said swinging her legs under the bench.
"He seems like a nice man," the woman said. In her ear, hidden from all but the most acute observer she heard, "we have eyes inside the store. The two are still shopping."
"He hits her at night," the little girl said sadly.
"We don't see any trace of the package on him. Though it could be hidden. Ryan is pretty clever." The woman frowned, "is he your father?"
The little Bothan girl shook her, "no...just a guy that visits her from time to time."
Mishka Winlat — 11/22/2021
Following Ryan over to the shelves, she watches Ryan search through the titles with pure curiosity. Her hands gripping onto the book she had already found. “What do you mean about the Jedi wanting me to like them? I’m not going to judge someone just because they’re a Jedi.” She said with a shrug, smiling to him.
All she could do was really stand there and watch him.
TheTraveler — 11/22/2021
Ryan laughed, "that is why you are so great." He grabbed a book, Starchild's Guide To The Many Uses of Spice He turned to her, "you are like this perfect flower that has been cared for and grown in only the best conditions. But now, you have been picked and must see the world for what it is."
He handed her the book, "there are two ways of looking at the world." He tapped the book she had picked, a very scientific and educational book, "there is this way." He smiled then tapped the other book, which looked more like a how too guide than what exactly Spince was. "Then there is this way."
He smiled to her deeply, "you can experience the world through your journey, or waste it away in study or meditations."
He smiled shifted in to one of fondness, "I give Tesara a lot of crap, and well she deserves some of it. But in truth, I really like her. She is started to see that all that Jedi nonsense is just that, nonsense. I watched her grow from a mindless Durro Clone, in to the woman she is today. Reaching beyond their stupid meditations and living in our world with us."
He blinked, does that make sense?
___
The woman relaxed a bit, "well then I am sure one day your mother will have a long talk with you about it." In her ear a female voice chimed in, "I think I just throw up in my own mouth. You guys are lucky you can't read lips."
"I know, she said that she will be talking to me this weekend," the little girl said softly.
"Back on mission. Any sign of the package?" The woman smiled, "see,"
The little girl smiled, "Mommy said that I have special party coming this weekend, and he is the guest of honor."
"No, that is not good," the woman said answering the voice in her ear. "I am sure you misunderstood."
Mishka Winlat — 11/22/2021
“Tesara is a very nice person, that is for sure.” Mishka said as she smiled to Ryan. Her emotions were still in a slight jumble and she was trying to understand them. It was not working at all so far and she did not quite grasp everything hitting her mind. “I’ll get this one.” She told him, holding up the book he had found for her.
Fiddling with her necklace again, she looked down and blushed. “Anything else that might help?”
TheTraveler — 11/22/2021
"We don't have to time wait any longer. If we can't identify the location of the package, then we will have to come up with a different plan." Tarkins voice spoke in the woman's ear. The woman nodded at the little girl continued to speak, "The Girl is expendable, capture Ryan and we will get the information about the package out of him."
The smiled as she started to plot her next steps. In her mind she started envision what would happen. Her little finger slipped in to a loop which contacted to her Vinsani Blade, a short narrow blade used for quick and lethal assassinations.
She would walk up to the pair and snap the blade in her hand from up her sleeve. Then before anyone realized what was going to happen, she would run the blade in the girl's throat and twist it sideway. At the same time she would draw out her blaster and ram it in to Ryan's chest. As she pulled the flat blade through the front of the girl's neck, she would fire her stun bolt in to Ryan's heart. As the girl bleeds out on the street, she can escape with Ryan.
She bid the little Bothan girl good bye then she stood up and started to work her way to the front of the book story. With each passing step she refined her plan and ensure that she covered all angles that might change the over all outcome.
In the store:
Ryan laughed, "get both." He tapped her book, "this is who you are." He smiled fondly at her as he tapped the new book, "this one is who I kind of hope you will decide to be."
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/22/2021
Mishka smiled and nodded as she hugged both books to her chest. “Okay, Ryan.” She said with a slight giggle. “Shall we pay and head back to the Jupiter One? I know we need to finish those repairs and all, especially if we want to get that job you have done.” With that said, she gestured toward the door without really looking toward it. Her full focus was on Ryan, just enjoying that smile on his face.
TheTraveler — 11/22/2021
Ryan pulled out his datapad and flipped it on, "yeah I think we can head back," he turned the screen for her to see, Durro and Astra on the flight deck searching the safe. He laughed, "I guess we gave them enough time."
He laughed, "come on," he said guiding her to the check out. "I told you, you can't trust Jedi," he said laughing then drew in a deep breath and spoke in a mocking Durro voice, "let this be a lesson young padawan."
Ryan walked up to the counter and allowed the casher to check them out. He paid for the books and Mishka's arm warp. "You know," he said carrying the bag for her, "when we are done with this job, maybe I will take you to Coruscant. It is such a beautiful world."
___
On the Main Deck of the Angel's Blessing:
Sinya walked up behind Tarkin, "wait...you can't do this." She waited for him to turn around, "listen you don't know these guys like I do. Ava, she isn't one to cross. And she sees Ryan like her sweet little drugged up retarded puppy. She loves him like a brother."
Tarkin looked a bit confused, "I don't understand."
"Okay," Sinya said as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "okay here. So a couple years ago, Ava found out that some guys hurt Ryan. I mean really hurt him. She went out and hired someone to find them and bring them somewhere. She had them staked to the ground side by side. Then she had a Ground Paver run them over."
"I get it," Tarkin said, "she gets revenge."
"No you don't," Sinya countered. "She had that Paver crawl up their bodies starting with their feet, at its slowest possible speed!"
Tarkin narrowed his eyes, "how do you know this?"
Sinya sighed, "I was the one who found the assholes and brought them to her. I was there and watched Ava during the whole time. She stood there watching, not moving, not speaking just watching till the last bone crushing sound was heard. And then without saying a word she just walked away."
Tarkin frowned, "so...."
"Ava isn't one you want to cross," Sinya warned."
Tarkin frowned, "what do you suggest."
"We find another way," Sinya said softly.
He nodded and turned back to the Comm Station, "Abort Abort Abort"
Lysire leaned over from her station, "I have no feed back from Jazz, I think her comlink of off."
Mishka Winlat — 11/22/2021
Mishka looked at Ryan and smiled before speaking. “I take it you’ve been to Coruscant before then?” She asked as they stepped outside. Her hands were held behind her, fingers laced as she walked next to him.
As they did so, an older woman almost bumped right into them. With a slight grimace, Mishka said, “Sorry, ma’am.” The woman just smiled to them in that kind elderly woman manner that the half-Bothan was used to around Dubrillion.
Looking at both Ryan and Mishka, she said, “Ah, young love! So sweet and beautiful.”
Ears twitching with surprise, a blush on her face once again, Mishka watched the woman walk away without a second glance back to them.
TheTraveler — 11/22/2021
Ryan glanced nervously at the woman but couldn't understand why. He felt Mishka starting to move and he turned back to her, "I have actually. Ava and her family were invited to the Imperial Palace. I wasn't allowed in, not that I cared. So I got a chance to tour the government district. The nightlife there is kind of boring." He leaned in close to her, "they don't allow Spice."
He smiled and laughed, "so anyway, I hit some clubs and had a great time."
He paused suddenly feeling stupid, "well, I mean there is more than clubs there. I mean there is crazy shopping and the Imperial Museum is like massive. Oh, I almost forgot, there is also the Botanical Gardens." He leaned in and smiled, "I actually passed out there, so I can truthfully tell you they are something else, during both night and day."
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/22/2021
Mishka tilted her head to the side, ears perking up. “I’ve never been to a…what did you call it? Botanical Gardens?” She asked softly. “It sounds like a place we should visit if we get to go to Coruscant.”
Glancing to her bag with the books, she thought of his mention of them not allowing Spice. She was worried about Ryan in this context, especially since she knew he was an addict. Yes, he had been trying to clean up for Amy, but would he continue doing that? Would he let her help him if he wanted to?
She was not willing to ask about it right now. All she wanted to do was enjoy this time with Ryan. “How did you know they would snoop around?” She asked him.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/22/2021
He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her in close to him, "I promise you, we will go there and I will watch you run along the vast fields of flowers." He smiled as he gave her a side hug.
He listened to her final question and gave her a nod. He reached in to his pocket and pulled out his datapad.
He laughed taking a peek at the datapad and showed her the screen. Mishka watched Durro and Astra leaving empty handed. He smiled, "their Jedi, that is what they do. They snoop." He put the data pad away, "though this does give us a clue in to what we are transporting." He looked to her, "so what do you think would draw our Jedi friends in to criminal behavior?"
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/23/2021
Mishka leaned into the hug Ryan gave her and looked at the datapad. “There has to be a good reason behind it for them to want to get to the package, right?” She began when he inquired about his own question. Her mind instantly went back to Aneta and tried to recall anything she had mentioned about what was truly important to Jedi. The only thing she could think of was a lightsaber or those crystal things inside them.
“Maybe it’s lightsabers…or crystals to them. Aneta mentioned them, but never went into too much detail. All I know is she said it’s a key component in making a lightsaber or something.” She told him with a curious expression on her face. “Maybe we can ask them about it when we get back?”
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/23/2021
Ryan nodded as he listened, "we can, and we should inquire why they felt the need to attempt to rob us."
He caught himself and nervously laughed, "I hate to warn you, but you will quickly realize that what is wrong for most is perfectly okay for the Jedi."
He thought about something, trying to find a good example of what he was trying to say. Then he snapped his fingers, "listen, you and others don't like that I use Spice, right?"
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/23/2021
Mishka frowned. “I’m more concerned for your health than disliking you taking Spice in general, Ryan.” She admitted to him. “If you wish to keep using it, I’m not going to force you to stop. I only offered to help you get off it if that’s what you wish to do.”
With a soft sigh, she tapped her chin. “So, what’s the point to this question?” She asked.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/23/2021
He paused and looked at her with deep appreciation. It wasn't fully what he expected. It took a second for him to get back on his train of thought.
"Thanks," he said softly.
He then nodded his readiness to continue. "So they all look down on me because of it. But you will see," he explained holding up the books. "Not everything is as it appears. Not with Spice and not with the Force, as they want you to believe."
He smiles with an evil grin, "I want to make a bet with you." Nervously he looked around almost worried they were being followed or listened too. He then leaned in close and whispered something in her ear.
@Mishka Winlat
Mishka Winlat — 11/23/2021
Listening to his whisper, Mishka could not stop the little giggle that escaped her. “I bet so, too.” She agreed with him before planting a quick kiss on his cheek. Taking his hand in hers, she gently pulled him along toward the Jupiter One.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/23/2021
An alarm rang from his pants. In a panic, he reached in to his pocket and pulled out his datapad. He looked at the red ring flashing at the edges of the screen and Astra hacking at the wall with a lightsaber.
"What they hell!" Ryan held Mishka's hand and started to run the rest of the way back to the Jupiter One.
(OOC: @Mishka Winlat we can post in the 'A Message From Quinn' in six combined posts.)
Mishka Winlat — 11/23/2021
(OOC: Okay)
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